Throwing Money Out the Window?

(ARA) - Ever wonder where your hard earned money is going? Take a look around your home at the windows and doors. It may be time to consider replacing leaky windows or gaping doors to take advantage of energy efficient savings and stop your money from slipping through the cracks.

Windows that are not energy efficient are one of the largest sources of heat or air conditioning loss due to their low insulating ability and high air leakage rate, according to the National Association of Home Builders. As a result, purchasing energy efficient windows can be responsible for saving up to 25 to 50 percent of the energy used to heat and cool homes.

Beyond the cost benefits, energy efficient windows and doors can increase the comfort level in a home. When replacing windows, consider products that include Low-emissivity (Low-E) insulating glass options to keep your home more comfortable. Low-E is a thin, transparent metallic coating on the inside surfaces of insulating glass which permits visible light to pass through and reflects ultraviolet rays, which can fade interior floor coverings and furnishings. In the summer, this helps keep heat out of your home; in the winter, it helps retain heat.

Pella Corporation, a leading manufacturer of windows and doors and the 2007 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year, offers the following information to help sort the myths from the facts about energy efficient products that can save money and create a more comfortable home.

The band-aid approach

Myth: Covering windows with plastic or sealing windows shut is a long term solution to blocking cold air that leaks in through windows.

Fact: Using plastic over windows where air leaks is a band-aid approach to a larger issue. If there is significant air leaking in or around windows, the best solution is to replace the entire window to gain maximum energy efficiency and block the outdoor air during cold and hot months. Also, sealing windows is dangerous. Operable and functioning windows are a necessity for emergency escape routes in case a fire strikes.

ENERGY STAR Value

Myth: Any type of window, as long as it's new, will be energy efficient and save money.

Fact: A sign to look for in quality windows and doors is the ENERGY STAR label symbolizing the most energy-efficient products. These products use less energy, save money and help protect the environment. Windows made of wood, quality fiberglass and vinyl materials are good energy-efficient choices. Other key ingredients for energy-efficient windows are Low-E coatings, inert gas fill, multiple layers of glass, air infiltration prevention and proper installation.

Single, double or triple?

Myth: Windows are all the same, whether it's a single, double- or triple-pane there is very little difference.

Fact: Double- or triple-pane glass options, especially those with between-the-glass blinds or fabric shades, can further increase energy efficiency and even reduce outside noise by up to 80 percent*.

The sticker shock

Myth: Energy efficient windows and doors are too expensive.

Fact: Up-front costs of energy efficient windows and doors may be more at the time of purchase, but will cost less to operate over the product's lifetime. Therefore, when making your buying decisions it's important not only to compare the buying price but also the operating price -- the price you will pay month to month. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average household spends about $1,500 each year on energy bills. By choosing products that meet ENERGY STAR guidelines, consumers can cut this by 30 percent, a savings of about $450 each year.

In addition to windows, doors are also a target for loss of money in the home. Replacing doors that are not properly fitted is another great way to save money and energy.

Just for looks

Myth: Storm doors are just for looks and do not enhance energy savings in a home.

Fact: A properly fitted storm door can add significant energy savings to a home. According to independent testing, a Pella storm door added to an entryway can reduce entryway energy loss by up to 45 percent. A new storm door can quickly pay for itself in energy savings.

Green remodeling may lead to more greenbacks when selling

Myth: When remodeling, choosing a door that will be energy efficient helps your home become more marketable when trying to sell.

Fact: Energy efficient choices in a home are high points for selling it. Dated and dysfunctional doors that require towels or rugs to cover areas leaking air need to be replaced. Just like windows, it is critical that doors are hung properly for maximum performance and energy savings.

For more information on how you can improve energy efficiency with your windows and doors, contact a local Pella Window and Door store expert by calling (888) 84-PELLA or logging on to www.Pella.com.

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